The Washington Redskins use an Explosive First Half to Defeat the Green Bay Packers

Landover, Maryland- In an early fall rain storm that turned FedEx Field into a dreary wet mess, the Washington Redskins used a multi-faceted attack to overwhelm the Green Bay Packers 31-17. The Redskins made a concerted effort to attack the Packers down the field, which allowed for more running lanes for Adrian Peterson. The Redskins defense was able to mostly contain Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his receivers let him down as well. So the Redskins who looked listless last week, turned in a much better performance.

The Redskins in the first half made a concerted effort to attack the Packers secondary down the field. On the first drive Alex Smith was able to connect with Paul Richardson Jr. for a 46 yard touchdown completion and the tone was set. On a few more occasions the Redskins attacked down the field resulting in long completions or pass interference calls. Chris Thompson was clearly the focus of the Packers defense as he was taken away in the passing game, the tight end combination of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis picked up the slack. Reed and Davis combined to catch 6 receptions for 135 yards on 9 targets and constantly used mismatches to convert 3rd downs.

The rushing attack of the Redskins was also able to get on track. Adrian Peterson had his 52nd career 100 yard rushing game with 19 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line was able to open consistent lanes for Peterson who in turn kept the chains moving and the points coming. In six first half drives the Redskins were able to score four touchdowns and effectively change the game plan for the Packers in the second half.

The defense for the most part was able to keep Aaron Rodgers contained and held the Packers off the field for the first half. The Packers started off slow and outside of a deep pass to wide receiver Geronimo Allison for a touchdown, sputtered most of the first half. The Packers went to a more up tempo offense in the second half and was able to close the score to 28-17. The Packers had opportunities to close further but were unable to convert a fourth down on one drive, being forced to punt twice, and a forced fumble.

The Redskins were able to sack Rodgers four times with Jonathan Allen getting two of them while Da’Ron Payne and Matt Ioannidis getting the other two. There were some moments where the Redskins were not able to generate a pass rush, and Rodgers was able to make a few plays. The Packers ran for 100 yards in the game however the score dictated that they pass the ball more. Overall Rodgers completed 27 of 44 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns, but he was hampered by his knee injury. There were throws that his receivers dropped while others he was inaccurate.

The Redskins only had a few injuries of note today. Right Tackle Morgan Moses suffered a concussion in the first quarter and did not return. On the final play on defense cornerback Josh Norman tweaked his hamstring and running back Adrian Peterson was kicked in the ankle, both are expected to be fine. The Redskins took a workman like attitude into the game and came away with an impressive victory. The Redskins now have their bye week and return to action two weeks from tomorrow night on the road against the New Orleans Saints.